CSS Technician

Description

Central Sterile Supply Technician (CSS) is assigned duties  performing decontamination, preparation, sterilization and distribution  of surgical instruments and medical equipment throughout the surgery  center, utilizing infection control and safety practices during all  phases of the process.

Knowledge of equipment function sufficient  to be able to determine operational adequacy and to distinguish between  operator error and equipment malfunction.

• Knowledge of  applicable sanitary, infection control, and safety standards sufficient  to be able to perform all assignments within the safety parameters.
• Knowledge to assemble and wrap appropriate instruments, supplies and equipment.
• Knowledge  of processes, procedures, quality assurance, chemicals and medical  instruments sufficient to be able to decontaminate and sterilize  equipment, supplies and instruments.
• Ability to lift and move trays of instruments and patient care equipment, i.e., IV pumps, monitors, up to 25 lbs.
• Must have good telephone manners and problem-solving skills.
• Can  perform bending, lifting, and washing using decontamination processes,  which will include instrument pans, bins, trays, and carts of various  sizes. Tactile differentiation, e.g. temperature, moisture.
• Skill in cleaning specialized equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• .  Operates all required equipment and machinery accurately and safely,  prepares, assembles, and sterilizes instruments and supplies according  to parameters of sterilization in accordance with The Department of  Health, TJC, OSHA, CDC, AAMI and AORN standards. Maintains appropriate  records, and monitors quality control and infection control standards.  Provides asset management and support of surgical instruments and trays  belonging to or consigned to the facility.
• Accurately handles  and cares for instruments appropriately, including appropriate selection  of cleaning agents, lubricants, examination for function,  identification and assembly and preparation for sterilization; retrieves  malfunctioning instruments and ensures repairs are completed.
• Correctly  peel-packs supplies/instruments, wraps instruments for sterilization,  inspect each instrument for use, function, completeness and cleanliness.
• Coordinates to ensure facility sets are stocked to PAR levels.
• Ensures  safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Pinnacle  Orthopaedics Surgery Center policies, procedures and standards and  quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and  development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education  and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute  to the success of the organization; Communicate with operating room  staff to provide required instruments.
• Is responsible for  reporting damaged or malfunctioning equipment to Clinical Director and  Material Manger and follow process for replacement.
• Resources to nursing staff in all departments regarding responsibilities of proper sterilization techniques.
• Clean, set up, sterilize and distribute instruments as scheduled on each shift.
• Maintains records for QA and sterilization.
• Employees are expected to comply with all regulatory requirements, including AAAHC Standards.
• Is  familiar with organization, department and job specific Environment of  Care areas, including Life Safety, Hazardous Materials Communications,  Emergency Preparedness, Infection Control and Medical Equipment Failure.
• Adheres  to Standard Precautions as appropriate, which may include: the use of  protective barriers, as appropriate (e.g., gloves, masks, gowns, pocket  masks, and/or safety glasses); handling and disposing of infectious  waste appropriately; and hand washing as appropriate.

Job Type: Full-time

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of a Sterile Processing/Surgical Technologist program preferred.
• A minimum of one-year experience as a Sterile Processing Technician or Surgical Technologist required.
• Basic computer skills and aptitude required.
• Active certification in sterile processing/central sterile via CBSPD or IAHCSMM required.
• Extensive knowledge of instrumentation.
• Ability  to act as a resource for staff in both SPD and OR regarding  identification and assembly of specialty instruments and trays.
• Ability to work daily in a fast-paced Healthcare Services environment.
• Ability to perform tasks simultaneously while maintaining quality.